...and I'm not sure what to do to celebrate. Friday itself I'm going to be representing my grad program at a national science foundation event in Amsterdam. (Bonus: This means I get Ethiopian for dinner! YES!) Normally I prefer to be out of town for my birthday. I guess a day-event in Amsterdam counts? Not sure about the weekend, though. NatureBoy just confirmed he can come out, and will be arriving Thursday night + mucking about in Amsterdam on Friday. It's May vacation for the next two weeks, so not possible to go to the islands or even a proper forest because (1) tourists and (2) we only have 2 days. The weather looks like it will be cool but not wet.

Stuff I've thought about doing:

- kayaking - hanging out in his mom's forest house- (gym) rock climbing- maybe overnighting in Amsterdam or on the west = beach time? (But see above about May vacation.)- ???

I just attended a 30th birthday party where we played bubble soccer.It was a blast. I've also had a recent birthday at Jumpoline, which is a place where the whole floor is basically trampolines.

I enjoy those last hurrahs of youth because I'm honestly getting too old to do those kinds of things. I injure more easily lately and get sore very easily. Your ideas sound great. If the weather is good I'd do that outdoors stuff and kayaking. Things that you don't always find time for.

Last edited by Tigon on Mon Apr 27, 2015 9:48 am, edited 1 time in total.

30 was my best birthday. I had a vegan potluck, and all of my nonvegan friends made food I could eat. I was living in a house with a back porch and yard, so I could actually do something at home, which I prefer. We drank a lot of beer and I picked the music and wore a cute dress with no shoes because HOME TURF.

_________________But if one were to tickle Pluto, I suspect that it might very quietly laugh. - pandacookie

55k usd is like 4 cad or whatever equivalent in beavers you use on the island - joshua

For my 30th I just had a regular party at my house. It was fun but no big deal. But for my 40th I had the best party ever. I rented out the function room at a restaurant and hired the bar trivia people to come do a private trivia game, and the restaurant catered the food but let me make the dessert (cupcakes - I think I made 7 kinds). Around 60 people came and it was amazing. For my husband's 40th we got a party bus, which was fun but not as good as trivia.

Sounds like party is not on your list, but kayaking or rock climbing would be awesome too!

Not sure if you know bun? She doesn't post often, but she also turned 30 this year. She had a funeral for her youth, including a casket, cake, black clothes (and black mascara tears!) for everyone.

....It's not that I'm opposed to the idea of a party, DtC. Yours sounds awesome! It's more that my close friends are all far enough away that a brunch or dinner or whatever would not exactly be possible, and more than that is too much for me right now (because, end of PhD). Plus, I am expected to host a giant party almost exactly like that when I defend 6-8 months from now.

I went on a cheapie weekend getaway-- just found some place a few hours away near hiking trails, drove there, stayed over and hiked. It was actually super nice, though very very low key. I made a very small cake and we ate it halfway through a hike!

All of your ideas are really cool, it sounds like you will have a great time no matter what you choose.

But since you mention both climbing and forest adventures, have you thought about doing an aerial adventure / canopy tour? I've done several small ones and it is so much fun! I know some tours even have the option to spend the night on the canopy in tree houses or suspended tents (that's on my bucket list).

I turned 30 last July and I went skydiving! I had been psyching myself up to do it for a few years first. Each birthday (27, 28, 29) I'd say, "one year closer to when I skydive." Then I did it! It was amazing!

_________________Did you notice the slight feeling of panic at the words "Chicken Basin Street"? Like someone was walking over your grave? Try not to remember. We must never remember. - mumblesIs this about devilberries and nazifruit again? - footface

I turned 30 last July and I went skydiving! I had been psyching myself up to do it for a few years first. Each birthday (27, 28, 29) I'd say, "one year closer to when I skydive." Then I did it! It was amazing!

That sounds suspiciously like the way I got my wisdom teeth out! (not recommended as a celebratory activity)

Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 11:51 amPosts: 8120Location: United States of New England

happy happy birfday!

this isnt one of your choices but i got my 1st tattoo on my 30th bday. i think otherwise we just went out to eat.

out of your list of ideas i like kayaking.

and weekend trip is also nice if you cant do a full vacay.

we usually do a long weekend trip (typically) within driving distance each year for our anniversary because it's in the summer. my birthday is in the fall which i guess doesnt cancel out driving somewhere but it's starting to get cold. actually i probably just never thought of it!